What Is IB Philosophy?

What makes us human? How do we decide what’s morally right or wrong? If you’re ready to think through some of the most fundamental questions people have ever asked, IB Philosophy might be perfect for you.

However, choosing your IB Diploma Programme subjects often comes down to tricky trade-offs. This is particularly true in Group 3: Individuals and Societies, where popular options like Psychology and Geography are set against less familiar subjects, such as Philosophy.

Because Philosophy is new to most students at this stage, many are unsure about what it actually involves and whether it will fit well with the rest of their IB choices.

If that’s you, then this article is here to help. It explains what IB Philosophy is, what you will study, how it is assessed, and who the subject is best suited to. You can then decide with confidence whether it’s right for you.

Key Takeaways

• IB Philosophy is a Group 3: Individuals and Societies subject that explores big questions about knowledge, reality, ethics and what it means to be human.

• You study a core theme plus optional themes, with both written exams and an internal assessment.

• The course develops strong critical thinking, analytical writing and reasoning skills that are useful well beyond the IB.

• It suits students who enjoy discussion, abstract ideas, and analysing arguments.

What Is IB Philosophy All About?

IB Philosophy is part of Group 3: Individuals and Societies in the IB Diploma Programme. Check out our guide to the full list of IB subjects. Group 3 focuses on understanding people, ideas and societies. 

IB Philosophy combines the study of classical and contemporary philosophical ideas with rigorous critical thinking and argument. It explores some of the biggest questions humans have ever asked, such as: 

• What can we really know?

• What makes something right or wrong? 

• Do we have free will? 

• What does it mean to be human? 

You’ll engage with influential philosophers and theories, analysing their arguments in depth and comparing different viewpoints.

The subject also connects closely to real-world issues. You’ll apply philosophical thinking to areas such as ethics, politics, science, and religion. The discipline helps you approach everyday debates with greater depth and clarity.

In short, IB Philosophy is intellectually demanding. But it’s also highly rewarding. It develops your ability to understand complex ideas and critically evaluate arguments. These skills are valuable across the IB and in future study.

What Will You Study in IB Philosophy?

IB Philosophy (opens in a new tab) is organised around a core theme that all students study, plus a selection of optional themes. 

Higher Level (HL) students study more themes and work with material in greater depth than Standard Level (SL) students.

Here are the main parts of the course.

Core Theme: Being Human

All IB Philosophy students study the core theme Being Human. This focuses on questions about what it means to be human and how we understand ourselves.

You explore issues such as identity, consciousness, free will, and the relationship between the mind and body. For example, you consider whether humans are truly free to make choices, or whether our actions are shaped by biology, society or other external factors.

Through this theme, you develop skills in conceptual analysis, close reading of philosophical arguments, and structured evaluation of different viewpoints.

Optional Themes

In addition to the core, students study one optional theme at SL and two optional themes at HL. Schools choose these from a set list, which currently includes:

• Aesthetics – philosophical questions about art, beauty, and taste.

• Epistemology – questions about knowledge, belief, evidence, and truth.

• Ethics – debates about right and wrong, moral responsibility, and justice.

• Philosophy of Religion – arguments about the existence of God and the nature of religious belief.

• Philosophy of Science – questions about how scientific knowledge is produced, what counts as evidence, and how scientific theories are justified.

• Political Philosophy – ideas about power, rights, freedom, and the role of the state.

• Social Philosophy – ideas about society, social relationships, power, and inequality.

Across these themes, you compare different philosophers, analyse their reasoning, and learn how to apply philosophical ideas to contemporary issues.

Internal Assessment: Philosophical Analysis

All students complete an internal assessment, which involves writing a philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus, such as a news article, image, speech or real-world situation.

You identify relevant philosophical concepts, analyse how they apply to the stimulus, and develop your own reasoned argument.

How Is IB Philosophy Assessed?

Assessment in IB Philosophy involves written exams and an internal assessment. Both test your understanding of philosophical ideas and your ability to analyse and evaluate arguments.

Standard Level (SL)

At SL, assessment includes:

• Paper 1 (50%): an extended response exam where you answer two questions:

  • one stimulus-based question on the core theme, Being Human

  • one essay question on one of your optional themes

• Paper 2 (25%): an essay-based exam on your prescribed philosophical text. All students study one key philosophical text from the IB list, and this paper tests your understanding and evaluation of it.

• Internal Assessment (25%): a 2000-word philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus, such as a news article, image, speech or real-world situation.

Higher Level (HL)

HL students complete the same components as SL, plus an additional paper:

• Paper 1 (40%): an extended response exam where you answer three questions:

  • one stimulus-based question on the core theme, Being Human

  • two essay questions on two different optional themes

• Paper 2 (20%): an essay-based exam on your prescribed philosophical text. All students study one key philosophical text from the IB list, and this paper tests your understanding and evaluation of it.

• Paper 3 (20%): an unseen text paper based on the HL extension topic Philosophy and Contemporary Issues. You analyse and respond to a philosophical passage on a modern issue.

• Internal Assessment (20%): a 2000-word philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus, such as a news article, image, speech or real-world situation.

What Skills Will You Gain?

Studying IB Philosophy helps you develop a strong mix of subject-specific and transferable skills that are useful across the IB and beyond.

Subject-specific skills

Through the course, you learn to:

• Analyse philosophical arguments by identifying key concepts, assumptions and reasoning.

• Evaluate different viewpoints, weighing strengths and weaknesses before reaching a justified conclusion.

• Use precise philosophical vocabulary accurately and confidently in essays and discussions.

• Apply abstract ideas to real-world situations, especially in your internal assessment.

• Interpret complex texts and ideas, including classic and contemporary philosophical writing.

Transferable skills

IB Philosophy also strengthens skills that are highly valued in further study and the workplace, including:

• Critical thinking, by questioning assumptions and constructing logical arguments.

• Analytical writing, through structured, evidence-based essays.

• Independent thinking, as you develop and defend your own reasoned views.

• Discussion and debate, by articulating ideas clearly and responding to counterarguments.

• Intellectual curiosity, as you engage with challenging and unfamiliar perspectives.

These skills are particularly useful for subjects such as law, politics, psychology, history, and any discipline that values clear reasoning, argumentation and ethical reflection.

Who Should Take IB Philosophy?

IB Philosophy suits students who enjoy thinking deeply about ideas and are comfortable with complexity and debate. If you like asking “why” questions, challenging assumptions and exploring different perspectives, you are likely to find this subject rewarding.

Philosophy works well for students who are confident readers and writers, as the course involves engaging with demanding texts and producing structured, analytical essays. While you don’t need to have studied Philosophy before, you should be prepared to grapple with abstract concepts and unpack difficult arguments.

You’ll also need to be open-minded and willing to consider viewpoints you may disagree with, while clearly justifying your own position with reasoned arguments.

If you prefer very clear-cut answers, you may find IB Philosophy more challenging. However, if you are curious, thoughtful and willing to engage with complex ideas, it’s a fantastic Group 3 option.

What Can IB Philosophy Lead To?

Philosophy is widely respected as an academically rigorous subject because it develops high-level thinking, writing and reasoning skills. As a result, IB Philosophy can lead to a broad range of study and career options.

Further Study Options

IB Philosophy provides a strong foundation for university courses that value critical analysis and structured argument, including:

• Philosophy

• Politics or International Relations

• Law

• Psychology

• History

• Sociology or Social Sciences

• Theology or Religious Studies

Even if you do not plan to study Philosophy itself, it is often viewed positively by universities as evidence of strong analytical and evaluative ability.

Career Pathways

The transferable skills you develop in IB Philosophy are valuable for almost any career. Thinking clearly, arguing persuasively, and approaching complex problems thoughtfully prepares you for many different challenges. 

Students who have studied Philosophy often go on to fields such as:

• Law and legal professions

• Journalism, media and publishing

• Teaching or academia

• Public policy, government or NGOs

• Ethics, compliance or consultancy roles

• Business, particularly roles involving strategy, leadership or decision-making

Is IB Philosophy Hard?

IB Philosophy is often considered challenging. It involves engaging with complex, abstract ideas and analysing demanding philosophical texts. You need to understand not just what philosophers argue, but how and why they argue it. This process requires concentration and deep thinking.

The subject can also feel difficult because there is rarely a single “right” answer. Instead, you are expected to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different viewpoints. You’ll also be constructing your own well-reasoned arguments in clear, structured essays.

That said, many students find Philosophy manageable and highly rewarding if they are motivated and organised. You’ll get the most out of the subject if you’re prepared to do wider reading, take an active role in discussions, and work on your essay-writing skills.

As a Philosophy teacher, I have found students who are curious, reflective and willing to tackle tricky concepts often thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there coursework or practical work in IB Philosophy?

Yes. All students complete an Internal Assessment (IA). This is a 2,000-word philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus, such as a news article, image, speech or real-world situation.

Is IB Philosophy useful for my future?

Yes. IB Philosophy develops high-level critical thinking, analytical writing and reasoning skills that are valued by universities and employers.

Is IB Philosophy respected by universities?

Yes. Universities generally regard IB Philosophy as a rigorous academic subject that demonstrates strong analytical and evaluative ability. 

It is particularly valued for courses that involve argument, interpretation and critical thinking, such as Law, Politics, Philosophy, Psychology and humanities subjects.

Final Thoughts

IB Philosophy is a demanding but intellectually rewarding Group 3 subject that invites you to grapple with big, abstract questions about knowledge, ethics and what it means to be human. It will stretch your thinking and your writing, but it can be a distinctive and powerful part of your Diploma.

If you are deciding between Philosophy and more familiar options like History or Psychology, ask yourself whether you are curious about these deeper questions. If you are, Philosophy could be a strong choice. Our range of IB Options guides may answer some of your questions.

Save My Exams has plenty of IB resources to support you throughout your IB journey.

References:

• Diploma Programme (DP) - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

• Philosophy in the DP - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

• IBDP Subject Brief | Individuals and societies: Philosophy SL and HL (opens in a new tab)